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JEREZ, Spain - Kamui Kobayashi looks set to continue his motorsport career in Le Mans-style sports car racing. After three seasons in Formula 1, the Japanese driver lost his Sauber race seat in 2013 and failed to find placement elsewhere.

Media reports say he will test for the Ferrari-linked AF Corse sports car team in Spain in February 2013.

According to reports, Kobayashi (26) is under consideration for a seat in the FIA's world endurance championship, driving a Ferrari 458.

With Sauber opting for Telmex-linked Esteban Gutierrez for 2013, Kobayashi attempted to stay in F1 by asking his fans to contribute to his sponsor purse.

SIGNS TO CHANGE

Ultimately, corporate Japan failed to back him.

Sauber team boss Monisha Kaltenborn told F1's official website: "Yes, it is surprising when such a pleasant person like him cannot get any support from such a motorsport-loving nation like Japan."

"This again should be a sort of warning that we maybe need to change something," she added.

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